Religious Response

When John Paul II Grieved

Pope John Paul II’s response to 9/11 condemned those that would kill in the name of God and called for the world to come together in prayer. He hoped to encourage peaceful cooperation between world leaders.

To Learn More: catholicnewsagency.com/news

Source: Catholic News Agency

Sister Provides Counseling

For six months, Sister Cynthia Mahoney returned to Ground Zero to provide free counseling for survivors and bless the remains of the fallen.

To Learn More: biography.com/news/september-11-2001

Source: Biography.com

Azi Schwartz Sings Jewish Prayer

In this video, Jewish leader Azi Schwartz, along with other religious leaders, sings a Hebrew prayer in memory of those who fell victim to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

To Learn More: youtube.com/watch

Source: YouTube/New York Daily News

Bloomfield Hills Pastor Under Fire

Not all religious responses to the events of 9/11 were positive. This video discusses a pastor from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan who held an “anti-Muslim” event on the anniversary 9/11, which succeeded only in fanning the flames of bigotry and hate.

To Learn More: youtube.com/watch?v=c6_X76863QQ

Source: WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7 via YouTube

The Real Meaning of Jihad

In this video, five people of the Islamic faith explore the true meaning of the word “Jihad” and bring attention to how the term has been misinterpreted in popular culture.

To Learn More: youtube.com/watch

Source: YouTube

A Rabbi, Pastor, Imam Join Hands

Rabbi Ted, Imam Jamal, and Pastor Don started meeting regularly after collaborating on a 9/11 program. Together, their message of interfaith compassion and understanding has pushed people together, rather than further apart.

To Learn More: csmonitor.com/World/Making-a-difference/

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

Billy Graham’s Message

In this speech, Evangelist leader Billy Graham responds to the 9/11 attacks, preaching to America that now is a time for unity, and that God cares for everyone equally.

To Learn More: youtube.com

Source: YouTube

New York Muslims

This video features interviews with members the Muslim community in New York City, NY, discussing the religious backlash that swept the nation after the tragic events of 9/11.

To Learn More: youtube.com/watch

Source: YouTube

The Dalai Lama Comments

In this interview, the Dalai Lama speaks about the tragic events of 9/11, urging people to remember that it is important to focus their attention on love instead fear.

To Learn More: youtube.com/watch

Source: YouTube

Film Reference to Islam

Upon opening in 2014, The National 9/11 Memorial and Museum featured a film called “The Rise of Al Qaeda,” which was created to explain the historical roots of the 9/11 attacks. When screened to an interfaith advisory committee, there were concerns among the Muslim members that the video cast Islam in a negative light.

To Learn More: nytimes.com/2014/04/24/

Source: New York Times
NOTE: Requires New York Times Subscription

The Nation of Islam

Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, spoke to his congregation after the attacks on 9/11. Farrakhan stresses that those who perpetrated 9/11 were not representatives of the Muslim community and were, instead, dangerous extremists.

To Learn More: youtube.com/watch

Source: YouTube

Common Ground

On September 11, 2019, Pope Francis meets with representatives of al-Azhar University and the United Arab Emirates. This committee was chosen to help promote peace in the world, especially between people of different religious beliefs.